THUNDER BAY - The groundhog may be looking ahead to spring, but people living in the Northwest still have a some frigid temperatures to suffer through.
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the city of Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, with extreme windchill values expected to drop near or below -40C Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Extreme cold can cause health risks, especially for young children, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, or people without proper shelter. Pets can also be vulnerable to extreme cold and should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time.
Exposure to extremely cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and exposed skin can be susceptible to frost-bite in a matter of minutes.
The cold weather is expected to continue into next week, with temperatures between -13C and -18C, though the windchill will make it feel closer to -23C.
Relief from the cold should arrive in a little more than a week when temperatures are expected to rise to -7C on Monday, Feb. 12.
